First time submitting an insurance claim as a business owner? It involves more than just turning in a few papers. This guide covers everything that happens during a commercial property damage claim in Tampa, from the first notice to the final payment. These types of claims get very complicated due to multiple coverages, different types of equipment, and oftentimes several different carriers being involved. Know what to expect and reach out to Altieri Insurance Consultants Tampa for a team of public adjusters who know the ins and outs of commercial property insurance claims in Florida.
The First Notice
In Tampa, the first notice for commercial property claims typically happens within hours of damage occurring. During this time, business owners should do what they can to secure the property and prevent further damage that can complicate the claims process. Once the area is secure, it’s advised to contact the insurance company as soon as possible to get started on the claim. Documenting everything you can during this stage is strongly recommended and is vital to getting a good start into the claim. Preserving the damage, making sure it is not disturbed by overzealous urges to prematurely clean up must occur to allow the adjusters to see it firsthand. This can only help the claims process go faster and foster a fair settlement evaluation. Documentation includes gathering photos of the property, profit and loss statements, inventory logs, payroll billing, and other financial statements in preparation for these requests from your insurer.
The Investigation
Much of the commercial property claims process in the initial stages will be spent on investigating the property, collecting evidence, creating evaluations, and documenting every significant detail that can affect your settlement offer. This can take days or months, depending on the scope of the damage and the size of the property. Your insurer may send its own personnel to your business’s location, but it’s wise to receive an independent assessment from a public adjuster with a positive reputation in Tampa. Your public adjuster should also be able to discuss viable options for your business to resume operations even if it is only in partial form, should that be a critical choice you wish to make.
Water damage is one of the most common types of damage that businesses sustain in Tampa. Read our guide, “How Do Insurers Calculate Business Interruption From Water Damage?”
The Negotiations
Ensuring fair compensation from the claim is crucial for commercial property owners in Tampa wanting to keep their business running at normal capacity. Underpayment could lead to cutting costs elsewhere, and that can impact a business’s survival after a disaster.
Business owners in Tampa typically rely on experienced public adjusters to represent them during a commercial property claim, as the public adjuster will handle all claim matters including the negotiation of settlements on their behalf, while the business owner concentrates on creating a business survival plan and maintaining client/customer, vendor, and supplier relations.
| Our take? It’s worth it to consider negotiations, even if this step can take weeks or months, when the result could be fair compensation and a fully restored business. |
The Final Payment
Commercial property damage claims in Tampa are complex and will take time, however with Altieri Insurance Consultants, we will persuade the insurers it is better to make payments as early and often as possible to keep the policyholder in business as the claims process unfolds and reaches the final settlement that all can agree upon. When you are represented by the right Florida-based public adjuster with a reputation for a stellar track record of success, you will find their involvement being the most worthwhile decision made to survive your disaster.
Altieri Insurance Consultants has a long-standing history of helping Tampa businesses bounce back from commercial property damage. Now, it’s your turn!
Altieri Insurance Consultants Tampa Is With You From Beginning to End. Meet With a Public Adjuster Today!
Facing commercial property damage? Let Altieri Insurance Consultants Tampa handle the commercial insurance claim process for you! Call (813) 247-4757 today to schedule a consultation for damage claims services and policy reviews in Tampa.
